Deadly Shooting at Hanukkah Event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach Leaves at Least 11 Dead
Sydney, Australia — Australia has been plunged into mourning after a deadly shooting targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more in what authorities have described as an act of antisemitic terrorism.
The attack occurred Sunday evening during “Chanukah by the Sea”, a public event marking the beginning of the eight-day Jewish festival. Thousands of people had gathered along the beachfront on a warm summer day when two gunmen opened fire, transforming one of Australia’s most iconic locations into a scene of panic and devastation.
Suspects Neutralized as Investigation Continues
Police confirmed that one of the attackers was fatally shot by officers at the scene, while the second suspect was arrested and remains in critical condition. Authorities said at least one of the gunmen had previously been known to security services, though no specific threat had been identified ahead of the attack.
Emergency services reported at least 29 people wounded, including two police officers. Investigators are also examining several suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices discovered inside one of the suspect’s vehicles, raising fears that the planned attack could have been even more deadly.
A Targeted Assault on Sydney’s Jewish Community
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the shooting was a deliberate attack on the Jewish community.
“This was not a random act of violence,” Minns stated. “It was clearly designed to target Jewish Australians during a religious celebration.”
Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the event’s organizers. The global Orthodox Jewish movement Chabad confirmed his death. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also announced that an Israeli citizen was among the victims.
Scenes of Panic and Acts of Bravery
Police were called to Campbell Parade shortly before 6:45 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Videos circulating online showed beachgoers fleeing in terror, many still wearing swimwear, as gunshots echoed across the shoreline.
One widely shared video captured a civilian tackling and disarming one of the attackers before police intervened. The man was later identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, a local shop owner. Authorities praised his actions, describing him as a hero who may have saved numerous lives.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people dropped their belongings and ran for safety. Arsen Ostrovsky, a lawyer who had recently moved from Israel to Australia, was lightly wounded while attending the event with his family.
“What I saw was pure evil,” Ostrovsky said from his hospital bed. “I never imagined something like this could happen in Australia.”
National and Global Condemnation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was devastated by the attack, calling it an act of terrorism driven by antisemitism.
“This was meant to be a day of joy and faith,” Albanese said. “Instead, it became a moment of national tragedy.”
World leaders swiftly condemned the violence. King Charles III expressed his shock and sorrow, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he was horrified by the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that antisemitism has no place in the modern world.
Rising Antisemitism in Australia
Australia, home to approximately 117,000 Jews, has seen a significant rise in antisemitic incidents over the past year. Official figures show reports of threats, vandalism, and physical assaults have surged since late 2023, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, where most of the country’s Jewish population resides.
Synagogues, homes, and businesses have been targeted, prompting renewed calls for stronger protections and action against extremist violence.
A Rare but Shocking Mass Shooting
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia due to strict gun control laws enacted after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Sunday’s attack is the deadliest mass shooting in the country in nearly 30 years, sending shockwaves across the nation.
As investigators continue their work, Australia faces a renewed debate over extremism, public safety, and the urgent need to protect religious communities from targeted violence.